Biden seeks to rally the troops in Covid battle | First Thing

President's Covid address acknowledges pandemic fatigue and condemns those who are peddling lies' about the virus. Plus Larry David, the bald oracle

Half a billion free at-home coronavirus tests will be sent to the American public in the fight against Omicron, Joe Biden announced yesterday while pushing back against resistance to vaccine mandates by saying they are intended not to control your life but to save your life".

The president, whose address was intended to rally the troops for the latest Covid battle, began with his signature empathy card. I want to start by acknowledging how tired, worried and frustrated I know you are. I know how you're feeling. For many of you, this will be the first or even the second Christmas where you look - across the table will be an empty kitchen chair there."

Should Americans celebrate Christmas as normal? Biden said unvaccinated people have good reason to be concerned, but those who have been vaccinated should celebrate Christmas as planned.

Why did he get such a long sentence? The judge in the case has said he had to give Aguilera-Mederos the lengthy sentence based on minimum sentencing laws for the charges, prompting further criticism of the criminal justice system.